Our mechanic had to climb through the inside of the car, into the trunk area and open it by removing the hatch cover. That's the only way he could replace the latch.
Yes it works great! Have taken two kids through all those years
If the handle is broken, then you'll have to manually open it. If the locking mechanism is frozen, you will have to manually open it. Generally that means pulling the back panel off and pulling the latch cables by hand. Sequoia forums have detailed information on how to remove the rear panel - fairly simple.
Does the 2002 Toyota Highlander have LATCH connectors?
(1) Open the liftgate. (2) Remove the trim cover and latch mounting screws. (3) disconnect the actuating rod - detach electrical connectors (if any) - then remove latch from liftgate. Installation is the reverse of removal.
May be a BCM glitch or the rear trunk latch there is a recall from gm about the rear hatch latch
glue hatch window latch
I assume that the latch is broken? You can get a stiff wire and poke it in the hole on the right inside section of the handle - hook the release lever and pull down while pulling outward. If this doesn't work or the hole is blocked by part of the handle, then you'll have to pull the paneling off from the inside. Look on the Toyota Sequoia boards - there are tons of explanations on how to do this and some even provide pictures. You probably will need to replace the rear handle - not that hard a job. The dealer wanted $400; I did it for $15 with an eBay knockoff.
dodge truck broken hood latch
If the door latch on a 1999 Chevrolet Blazer is broken on the car frame, a new latch might have to be welded in. The old door latch will have to be cut out with a torch. If the latch is broken on the door, a new door might be cheaper than welding in a new latch.
The back hatch will often not open if the internal mechanism or release has become damaged. Replacing the latch is the most effective and reliable fix.
According to a Toyota, they began installing the LATCH system in the 4Runner beginning with the 2003 model.
The hatch (Dragon Face lock) that accesses the museum is up the broken board ladder just before the Docks exit. Once you have all the Dragon Face pieces, you can open the hatch at night to enter the museum. (see related question)